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It’s a hot summer day in the U.S., and you’re grateful you have central air conditioning. But then you notice your air conditioner behaving oddly or not cooling as expected. Before you panic, try resetting your air conditioner. This simple step often fixes minor issues and gets your system back up and running.

Why Would I Need to Reset My Air Conditioner?

Every air conditioner has a protection circuit breaker. This safety mechanism prevents electrical mishaps, such as fires or explosions, that could arise from power surges or outages. When the circuit trips, resetting your air conditioner becomes necessary to get it running again.

Another time to reset the AC is if your unit is blowing warm air when it should be cooling. In this case, the culprit might be a thermostat error. Sometimes, a simple reset is all it takes to correct the issue.

However, it’s important to approach this task with caution. If you’re uneasy about resetting the AC yourself, reach out to a professional for peace of mind. Also, be aware that tampering with your unit’s internal components might void your warranty, so always check the guidelines before proceeding.

5 Methods for Resetting an Air Conditioner

When minor issues develop, a reset is a good place to start. Here are five methods for resetting an air conditioner.

1. Reset the Circuit Breaker

Your home’s electrical panel houses the breakers for all your electrical circuits, including a dedicated one for your HVAC system. If the AC is having problems following a power surge or outage, try this method first.

Locate the electrical panel—commonly found in the garage, basement, crawlspace or utility closet—and find the switch labeled for your HVAC system. If the circuits aren’t labeled, you might have to experiment. Flip the circuit breaker off, wait 30 minutes, and then flip it back on. Now, turn the AC back on, confirm that the thermostat is set to “cool” and observe how the unit functions.

2. Press the Reset Button

If your air conditioner has a reset button, this is a simple way to clear any minor glitches in the system. This small, red button is probably on or near the outdoor condensing unit, possibly under a panel marked “Reset”. If you can’t find it, reference your physical owner’s manual or pull one up online.

Follow these steps to reset an air conditioner using the reset button:

1. Set your thermostat to the “off” setting.

2. Flip the circuit breaker that powers your air conditioner.

3. Press and hold the reset button for three to five seconds.

4. Restore power to your AC by flipping the circuit breaker back on.

5. Finally, set the thermostat to “cool” and choose a temperature slightly lower than the current indoor temperature. The AC should start up within a few seconds. If the air blowing from the registers feels cool, you’re all set!

3. Flip the Isolation Switch 

If you can’t find the reset button, go for the isolation switch near the outdoor unit. This safety feature allows you to cut off power to the air conditioner when the unit malfunctions without affecting the rest of your home’s electricity. It should look like a dial with an “on” and “off” position.

Turn the isolation switch off, wait 30 to 60 minutes and then turn it back on. This manual reboot completely disconnects your AC unit from power, allowing all electrical components to reset.

4. Unplug the Unit 

Is your air conditioner still not working as expected? The next AC reset method is to unplug the unit. First, find the shutoff panel near the outdoor unit and turn off the power to the compressor. Then, unplug the AC from the power supply board. Leave the unit unplugged for at least 30 minutes to let any residual charge dissipate from the internal components, clearing any errors and giving the system a fresh start. If your air conditioner still fails to work after plugging it back in, the socket could be faulty. You’ll need a technician to repair this problem.

5. Hire a Professional

When all else fails, or you’re unsure about attempting the DIY tips above, hiring a professional is your best bet. A certified HVAC technician can reset your system using specialized tools and diagnose underlying issues that might not be resolved with a simple reset.

AC Still Not Working? Call the Pros at ����ý Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

If you’ve tried resetting your air conditioner yourself and it’s still not working, don’t worry—����ý Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing is here to help. Our ACE-certified technicians provide fast, long-lasting AC repair, with your satisfaction guaranteed. If you’re not totally happy with our AC services in the U.S., we’ll make it right! Contact us at 866-397-3787 today to experience the difference we can make in your life and comfort level!